New State Polls Show Public Backs EPA Curbing Carbon Pollution

AR, LA, IL, and NH swing senators note: opposing climate action not a popular move

WASHINGTON, Nov. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Who is best to decide whether to limit carbon pollution released by America's power plants—experts at the U.S. Environmental Agency or elected members of Congress? And how will people in key states react if their senators try to block the EPA from taking action on carbon?

These and other questions will be answered when the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and the NRDC Action Fund release results from new Arkansas, Louisiana, Illinois and New Hampshire surveys conducted in states of some key swing senators.

The four state surveys will be discussed after the EPA wrapped up 11 listening sessions to hear public views on carbon pollution standards for power plants. The surveys were conducted to gauge public opinion on the EPA taking action and possible congressional efforts to block the agency. On November 14, the House Energy and Power Subcommittee will hold a hearing on proposed Whitfield-Manchin legislation to limit EPA action.   

WHAT:
Separate poll results will be provided for:

• AR, represented by Sen. Mark Pryor (D).
• IL, represented by Sen. Mark Kirk (R).
• LA, represented by Sen. Mary Landrieu (D).
• NH, represented by Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R).

WHO:
Dustin Ingalls, assistant director, Public Policy Polling, which conducted the poll; and
Heather Taylor-Miesle, director NRDC Action Fund; and
David Goldston, Director Government Affairs Program at NRDC.

WHEN:
Tuesday, November 12, 2013

TIME:
1:30 p.m. EST

CALL-IN INFORMATION:
You can join this live, phone-based news conference (with full, two-way Q&A) at 1:30 p.m. EST on November 12, 2013 by dialing 1 (800) 860-2442. Ask for the "EPA Carbon Pollution Poll" telenews event.

CAN'T PARTICIPATE?:
A streaming audio replay of this news event will be available as of 5 p.m. EST on November 12, 2013 at http://www.nrdc.org.

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 1.4 million members and online activists. Since 1970, our lawyers, scientists, and other environmental specialists have worked to protect the world's natural resources, public health, and the environment. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Bozeman, MT, and Beijing. Visit us at www.nrdc.org and follow us on Twitter @NRDC.

The NRDC Action Fund's mission is to grow the environmental majority across America to achieve the passage of legislation that jump-starts the clean energy economy, reduces pollution, and sustains vibrant communities for all Americans. Now is the time for leadership and action from our elected officials — our current goal is a comprehensive clean energy policy that will repower our economy and fuel our future. www.nrdcactionfund.org

Public Policy Polling is a national survey research firm located in Raleigh, North Carolina.  It was named by the Wall Street Journal as one of the most accurate polling companies in the country for its swing state polling in 2012. Following the 2012 Presidential election, a Fordham University report ranked PPP first among 28 organizations for the accuracy of its final, national pre-election estimates.

Note to Reporters: The NRDC Action Fund is an affiliated but separate organization from the Natural Resources Defense Council. As a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization, the NRDC Action Fund engages in various advocacy and political activities for which the Natural Resources Defense Council, a 501(c)(3) organization, faces certain legal limitations or restrictions. News and information released by the NRDC Action Fund needs to be identified as from the "NRDC Action Fund." The "Natural Resources Defense Council Action Fund" is incorrect. The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and the NRDC Action Fund can not be used interchangeably. Also please note that the word "National" does not appear in Natural Resources Defense Council.

SOURCE Natural Resources Defense Council, Washington, D.C.